Robert A. Sadowski

Beretta M9A1The Beretta M9A1 needs no introduction. The U.S. military began issuing these double-stack-magazine-equipped 9mm pistols in the 1980s. Proven in warfare to be dependable and reliable, the M9A1 sports several features that make it perfect for survival situations, including an aluminum alloy frame, a traditional double-action/single-action (DA/SA) trigger, an “open” slide to reduce weight and a Picatinny rail for mounting accessories. The M9A1 is also known for being a soft-shooter. (beretta.com; 800-962-2658)
Specifications:
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 4.9 inches
OA Length: 8.5 inches
Weight: 33.9 ounces (empty)
Grips: Composite
Sights: Blade front, adjustable rear
Action: DA/SA
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 15+1 (17+1, 20+1, 30+1
also available)
MSRP: $745

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Photo by Bushmaster

Bushmaster XM-15 Enhanced PatrolmanThe XM-15 Enhanced Patrolman from Bushmaster Firearms is basically an AR-platform megapistol with either a 7- or 10.5-inch, stainless steel barrel. Chambered for the 5.56mm NATO, it uses mil-spec AR magazines, meaning it can share the same ammo and magazines as your AR rifle. Outfit it with a red dot or reflex sight and this is a megapistol that can lay down some serious firepower. The Barnes Precision free-floating, lightweight quad-rail allows operators to mount lasers and lights. The XM-15 also features a Magpul MOE grip and an enlarged Magpul triggerguard for use with gloves. (bushmaster.com; 800-998-7928)
Specifications:
Caliber: 5.56mm NATO
Barrel: 7 or 10.5 inches
OA Length: 23.5-26.75 inches
Weight: 4.9-5.5 pounds
Grip: Magpul MOE
Sights: None
Action: Semi-auto
Finish: Hardcoat anodized
Capacity: 30+1
MSRP: $1228.98

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Photo by Kahr

Kahr CT9Kahr has a reputation for building small, compact pistols. The CT9 is a full-sized pistol that is user friendly with simplified controls and a double-action-only (DAO) trigger. Built with a single-stack, polymer frame and topped with a stainless steel slide, this pistol is lightweight—only 20.6 ounces empty—and accurate. This is a no-frills weapon built for reliability and performance. The Kahr CT9’s only control, other than the trigger and magazine release button, is the slide stop. (kahr.com; 508-795-3919)
Specifications:
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.96 inches
OA Length: 6.5 inches
Weight: 18.5 ounces (empty)
Grips: Polymer
Sights: White bar-dot
Action: DAO
Finish: Stainless slide, black frame
Capacity: 8+1
MSRP: $369

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Photo by DoubleStar

DoubleStar 1911 Combat PistolThe 1911 Combat Pistol takes the 1911 platform to another level. The pistol is constructed of high-quality parts that are hand-fitted for reliability and performance. Think of it as a target pistol that is durable enough to compete in the dirt, sand or snow. Featuring low-profile Novak sights, front and rear slide serrations, and a Picatinny accessory rail, the DoubleStar 1911 is rugged enough to protect your life and others in harsh extremes. It uses an eight-round magazine, and the magazine well is beveled for faster reloads. (star15.com; 859-745-1757)
Specifications
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 5 inches
OA Length: 8.75 inches
Weight: 39 ounces (empty)
Grips: Synthetic
Sights: Novak three-dot
Action: SA
Finish: Ionbond
Capacity: 8+1
MSRP: $2,519.99

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Photo by Kel-Tec

Kel-Tec PMR-30The Kel-Tec PMR-30’s edge is its magazine capacity of 30 rounds. Add one in the chamber and that is 31 rounds of .22 WMR firepower. While the caliber may not be a bear-killer or man-stopper, the soft-recoiling .22 WMR will allow novice and experienced shooters better accuracy. The PMR-30 is a simple design that uses lightweight polymer and steel to create a pistol that is user friendly. Unloaded, the pistol only weighs 13.6 ounces, so it’s easy to pack and carry for long periods of time. The caliber also has small-game hunting applications. (keltecweapons.com; 321-631-0068)
Specifications
Caliber: .22 WMR
Barrel: 4.3 inches
OA Length: 7.9 inches
Weight: 13.6 pounds (empty)
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Fiber optic
Action: Semi-auto
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 30+1
MSRP: $415

Ruger 9EThe 9E is a low-cost performer based on Ruger’s SR series of pistols. This is essentially a no-frills, 9mm, striker-fired pistol born for performance. The removable backstrap is reversible, so shooters can choose a flat or arched backstrap for a custom fit. The magazine release and thumb safety are ambidextrous. High-visibility, three-dot sights are dovetailed into the slide for fast target acquisitions. The rail allows for the attachment of accessories. The trigger has a safety lever in its face that keeps the gun from discharging unless it is completely depressed. (ruger.com)
Specifications
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 4.14 inches
OA Length: 7.5 inches
Weight: 27.2 ounces (empty)
Grips: Glass-filled nylon
Sights: Three-dot
Action: Striker-fired
Finish: Black oxide
Capacity: 17+1
MSRP: $429

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Photo by Glock

Glock 17 Gen4The Glock 17 Gen4 is chambered in 9mm and has a 17+1 capacity. The Gen4 variant offers an ergonomic grip frame, and it comes with four interchangeable backstraps, allowing users to customize the pistol for a better fit. Made of polymer and steel, the pistol weighs only 25.06 ounces unloaded. The 9mm is certainly controllable, and that is mandatory in survival situations where a handgun might be shared with group members who have less firearms training. Glocks have also been torture tested and proven to work in every type of environment imaginable. They are a benchmark in reliability. (glock.com; 770-432-1202)
Specifications
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 4.48 inches
OA Length: 7.95 inches
Weight: 25.06 ounces (empty)
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Fixed
Action: Safe Action
Finish: Black, surface hardened
Capacity: 17+1
MSRP: $649-$696

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Photo by Ruger

Ruger 22/45 LiteThe 22/45 Lite is part of Ruger’s renowned semi-automatic .22 LR pistol series. It features a 1911-style polymer grip frame mated to an aluminum receiver with a stainless steel barrel sleeve. It weighs a mere 23 ounces unloaded. Since it’s chambered in the featherweight .22 LR, you can probably carry much more ammo. The 22/45 Lite also has a threaded barrel that allows for the attachment of a suppressor so you won’t draw attention when you are hunting squirrels in what was once a city park. (ruger.com)
Specifications
Caliber: .22 LR
Barrel: 4.4 inches
OA Length: 8.5 inches
Weight: 23 ounces (empty)
Grips: Laminate or rubber
Sights: Ramp front, adjustable rear
Action: Single-action
Finish: Black or cobalt anodized
Capacity: 10+1
MSRP: $499

Sig Sauer P226 MK25This is the pistol adopted by the U.S. Navy SEALs. Several LE agencies also use P226 pistols because they are battle- and street-proven pistols capable of performing in the worst conditions. As with other P226 variants, the MK25 uses a one-piece aluminum alloy frame, a stainless steel slide and a carbon-steel barrel. It is a DA/SA pistol, and the MK25 configuration features upgrades to improve its resistance to saltwater corrosion. The Sig Sauer P226 MK25 is a practical pistol that is durable as well as reliable, and with its 15+1 capacity, it’s certainly ready to protect you and your family after a disaster.
(sigsauer.com; 603- 610-3000)
Specifications
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 4.4 inches
OA Length: 7.7 inches
Weight: 34.4 ounces (empty)
Grips: Polymer
Sights: SIGLITE night
Action: DA/SA
Finish: Nitron
Capacity: 15+1
MSRP: $1,166

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Photo by Glock

Glock41 Gen4The Glock 41 Gen4 offers 13+1 rounds of .45 ACP firepower in a soft-recoiling pistol. As with other Gen4 pistols, it features a dual spring recoil assembly to help lessen the felt recoil. The pistol’s 5.3-inch barrel and longer slide provide a long sight radius so the pistol is easier to shoot accurately. Glock pistols are known for being user friendly, and the G41 Gen4 is no exception. law enforcement SWAT teams are looking into the G41 for the same reasons you should be. (glock.com; 770-432-1202)
Specifications
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 5.31 inches
OA Length: 8.9 inches
Weight: 27 ounces (empty)
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Fixed
Action: Safe Action
Finish: Black, surface hardened
Capacity: 13+1
MSRP: $620

CZ 85 BThe CZ 85 B is the ambidextrous version of the renowned CZ 75 combat pistol. It features an aluminum alloy frame and a DA/SA trigger—strong foundations for many popular combat pistols. The ergonomics of the CZ 85 B are simply superb, with a comfortable grip shape and texturing. The Omega trigger is a simplified and more robust version of the original trigger system that also allows for easier disassembly. The CZ 85 B also has a 16+1 capacity of 9mm ammo. (cz-usa.com; 800-955-4486)
Specifications
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 4.6 inches
OA Length: 8.1 inches
Weight: 34.1 ounces (empty)
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Fixed
Action: DA/SA
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 16+1
MSRP: $628

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Photo by Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson M&P9The M&P9 is a popular full-sized handgun with law enforcement officers and civilians. The Zytel polymer frame comes with three interchangeable backstraps so the pistol can be customized to most hand sizes. The frame is mated to a sculpted slide with a black finish. Utilizing a striker firing system, the M&P9 also has ambidextrous controls so lefties are not at a disadvantage. With low-profile Novak sights, the M&P9 is easy to get on target. (smith-wesson.com; 800-331-0852)
Specifications
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 4.25 inches
OA Length: 7.63 inches
Weight: 24 ounces (empty)
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Ramp front, Novak rear
Action: Striker-fired
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 17+1
MSRP: $596

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Photo by Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson Model 22AThe rimfire S&W Model 22A is a full-sized pistol built with an aluminum alloy frame mated to an alloy-shrouded steel barrel with an integral Weaver-style rail for mounting a red dot or reflex sight. The 22A also features Patridge-type sights. This is a lightweight pistol that is easy to operate and disassemble. A button at the front of the frame removes the barrel for cleaning. It comes with a magazine disconnect safety; if the magazine is removed, the pistol will not fire. In essence, the 22A is a lightweight trail gun suitable for small-game hunting. (smith-wesson.com; 800-331-0852)
Specifications
Caliber: .22 LR
Barrel: 5.5 inches
OA Length: 9.5 inches
Weight: 35.3 ounces (empty)
Grips: Soft Touch Target
Sights: Ramp front, adjustable rear
Action: SA
Finish: Realtree APG
Capacity: 10+1
MSRP: $369

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Photo by Springfield Armory

Springfield Armory XDM 4.5If ergonomics, a crisp, striker-fired trigger pull and accuracy are on your short list, then the XDM may find a place in your bug-out bag. This polymer-framed pistol uses interchangeable backstrap inserts to tailor the grip to fit most hand sizes. The aggressive texture on the frame and slide ensure the weapon can be operated in wet environments. With a grip safety and a safety built into the trigger, the XDM is a safe pistol to operate. A loaded-chamber indicator on top of the slide tells the operator if a round is in the chamber. While several Springfield XDM models are available, the 4.5-inch-barreled 9mm variant is the best compromise of firepower and size. (springfield-armory.com; 800-680-6866)
Specifications
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 4.5 inches
OA Length: 7.6 inches
Weight: 29 ounces (empty)
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Three-dot
Action: Striker-fired
Finish: Melonite
Capacity: 19+1
MSRP: $700

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Photo by STI

STI EdgeThe STI Edge does indeed have an edge in its double-stack magazine, yet it remains similar to other 1911s in size. In .45 ACP, its capacity is 11+1. The Edge is built on STI’s 2011 modular steel frame with a polymer grip and provides all the features of a traditional 1911 platform but with the benefit of a higher-capacity magazine. (stiguns.com; 512-819-0656)
Specifications
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 5.01 inches
OA Length: 8.67 inches
Weight: 37.6 ounces (empty)
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Fixed front, adjustable rear
Action: SA
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 11+1
MSRP: $2,180

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Preppers take note: A full-size handgun is a mandatory piece of gear for the inevitable end of the world. A full-size handgun is easier to control, aim and shoot more accurately. Getting a secure, two-handed grip in wet and dry environments means the weapon can be used with greater precision. This means more hits and less wasted ammunition.

A full-size pistol also carries a maximum payload of ammunition. Magazine capacity is important, and higher-capacity magazines allow you to shoot more between reloads. Easy-to- acquire ammunition should be your next criteria in a survival pistol. The .22 LR, 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP are excellent choices because they are the most popular with law enforcement officers and civilians. If members of your family have an aversion to recoil, stick with a light-recoiling .22 LR or a 9mm. If you plan on packing a second gun, make it a larger caliber like a .40 S&W or a .45 ACP. These calibers have more recoil and are better suited for experienced shooters.

Gear is only valuable if you know how to use it. Train often and train with a purpose. All mechanical equipment can fail, so understand how to clear a jam. Maintenance is important, too. You don’t need to be able to take down a pistol blindfolded, but the ability to field strip and keep a weapon clean and operating can mean the difference between life and death.

A weapon may get wet with saltwater, caked in mud or frozen in ice. You will need to be able to maintain your pistol whatever the conditions. Here are some of the handguns to consider for survival scenarios.